Auckland Botanic Gardens: Regional Park Guide

Overview

Auckland Botanic Gardens is officially one of Auckland Council's regional parks. It's run as a public garden rather than a farm or bush park. Paths cross 64 hectares of themed gardens holding more than 9,000 plant species from around the world, including an African Garden, a Rock Garden, a Rose Garden and the popular Potter Children's Garden.

Two sculpture paths run through the grounds. The gardens also have the Huakaiwaka visitor centre with a café, a library and venues for hire.

Getting there and opening hours

• Address: 102 Hill Road, The Gardens (Manurewa), South Auckland
• Gate hours: 8am–8pm from October to March and 8am–6pm from April to September
• Parking: Two large car parks inside the main entrance

For transport options and any changes to hours, see the gardens' own website at aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz.

Walks and paths

Most paths are formed, which makes this one of the easiest regional parks for prams and wheelchairs. All toilets are wheelchair accessible. They're by the Potter Children's Garden, outside the library and in the Rose Garden, and there's also an accessible family room in the visitor centre.

Things to do

Dogs at the Botanic Gardens

Unlike most Auckland regional parks, the Botanic Gardens allow dogs on a leash in the general garden areas and car parks. There's also an off-leash area north of the Palm and Rose gardens, extending to the Everglade Drive area as signposted. Dogs are prohibited in:

• the Huakaiwaka visitor centre, café, terrace and public buildings (except the lower café terrace beside the courtyard, on a leash)
• the Potter Children's Garden and all garden beds
• Puhinui Forest
• all streams, lakes, ponds and stream banks

During events, dogs may be required on a leash or banned.

Good to know

There's no camping at the Botanic Gardens. Drinking fountains are near the Rose Garden and the Potter Children's Garden.